Willie Mae Walker

family by her side on July 17, 2025. She was born on September 15, 1929, in Maury County,

Tennessee, a daughter to the late William Marion Buckner and Rosa Patton Buckner.

After graduating from Hay Long High School in Mount Pleasant in 1947, Willie Mae moved to

Nashville to attend Draughon’s Business School where she met her future husband, James

Bedford Walker. They lived in Donelson and were faithful members of the Donelson Church of

Christ since 1956.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James Walker, and daughter

Gwendolyn Ann Walker.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James Michael Walker (Lori) of Charlotte,

North Carolina; three grandchildren, Bret Walker (Amy) of Knoxville, Claire Wiley (Clint) of

Nashville, and Kyle Walker (Kelly) of Charlotte, NC; and five great grand children, Walker,

James, Savannah, Charlotte, and Theo. Willie Mae leaves behind many other family members

and friends who will miss her greatly.

Willie Mae’s life was one of service. She cared for her special needs daughter, Gwen, at home

for 57 years, providing the best of care for her; Willie Mae also served the seniors at Lakeshore

Heartland with birthday celebrations for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her

family, playing bridge with friends, and reading. Willie Mae never forgot a birthday and her

grandchildren have fond memories of her chicken and dumplings!

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturday, July 26, in the

Generations Lobby of the Donelson Church of Christ, 2706 Old Lebanon Rd, Nashville, 37214,

followed by a graveside service for the family at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

Willie Mae’s family would like to express special appreciation to the staff at Kempton of

Hermitage Assisted Living for their kindness, love, and support during the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Arc of Davidson County and Greater Nashville.